There’s nothing like the smell and taste of freshly baked cookies, and these snowball cookies are a must make for the holidays…. and for pretty much any other occasion. 😉
The key to these delightful cookies is the powdered sugar. They’re rolled not once, but twice in powdered sugar, and believe me, that makes all the difference. They’re amazing!
Snowball Cookies
Makes about two dozen cookies. They go fast, so I usually make two batches at a time. Enjoy!
Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies are must-make Christmas cookie recipe and favorite cookie tradition but they're perfect for any day of the year.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup sifted powdered sugar
- 1 tsp McCormick pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup finely chopped nuts optional, but recommended
Instructions
- Mix butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla thoroughly.
- Stir flour and salt together; blend in. If adding nuts, mix those in as well.
- Roll dough in 1-inch balls, and place on ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees, or until set but not brown.
- While still warm, roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely, and then roll in powdered sugar again.
Notes
All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only and nutrition may vary according to exact products and the online nutrition calculator being used. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on EatMoveMake.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Nutrition
Calories: 147.41kcalCarbohydrates: 12.6gProtein: 2.07gFat: 10.1gSaturated Fat: 5.19gCholesterol: 20.34mgSodium: 92.6mgPotassium: 41.67mgFiber: 0.72gSugar: 2.5gVitamin A: 236.36IUCalcium: 7.18mgIron: 0.71mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Rosey says
Those are something different to try! Pinned them for when the kids get here.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I think I will make these this year!
Jennifer says
I make those every year! They are delicious, pretty and everyone loves them.
Billie says
These are so cute, I doubt I would even mind the powdered sugar all over.
Nadia says
I make a variation of these (no powdered sugar in the mix) that I know as Mexian Wedding Cookies. As I’m making them in a warmer climate, I chill the dough a bit before rolling and because I do use pecans, I really knead the dough so the flour and butter are distributed. Also, don’t be tempted to overbake them. I take them out when they are slightly golden but bake them at 350 for 15 minutes. They are delicious.
Samantha says
I’m a little disappointed in this recipe. I just made them for Christmas Eve dessert, thought they’d be a nice touch since there isn’t any snow here right now. The cookie crumbled apart. After cooked it just would not stay together and I ended up throwing the last bit of the dough out. I was not happy with the taste. I was expecting them to be excellent, and they were subpar… I felt like I missed an ingredient, and continuously checked, but didn’t miss a thing. They were an okay cookie, I’m not sure I would do them again. I must say though, adding the nut definitely made it better… pecans! Thanks for the recipe anyway. Do you possibly know what happened to my cookies? Maybe I prepared them incorrectly?
Blueviolet says
I’m so sorry that they didn’t come out right for you. I’ve actually never had them crumble like that before, and I’m just not sure what might have caused that to happen. I usually take them out of the oven, when I see they have a slight golden color and are set. I do need to handle them gently, and I put them on the cooling rack for about 5-10 minutes before I roll them for the first time. Most people do like them with the nuts, as it adds quite a bit of flavor, but I wanted to make sure that people knew they could be made with or without.
Leslie says
I think the secret is letting them set for a few minutes after baking and handling them gently, like Blueviolet said. The first time I made these cookies, I immediately put them in the sugar, and a bunch of them crumbled on me, but the second time I tried Blueviolet’s idea, and it worked really well. I hope you get the same result, if you decide to try again. :o)
Suz says
YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. Send me some in the mail, please? I’m just a little guy and I can’t make them myself.
Isabella says
these are in my oven right now! i had to try them. hopefully they’ll turn out good. i’m making them for a christmas dinner with my friends along with a chocolate cheesecake with oreo crust.. yum!
Kelly says
These look so delicious and super festive, what a great recipe! LOVE your blog, so glad to be a new follower! xoxo
Keri says
Thanks for the recipe! I’m starting finals week and needed something to get me through – and I had all the ingredients for this on hand! They’re cooling now and they smell great! I probably made them too big, I got less than 2 dozen from the recipe – but they’re really quick and easy to make. It’s also really good (and eggless) dough, so I probably won’t always bake them. Thanks for sharing!
eric says
Are these not russian tea-cakes?
Blueviolet says
I think they are known by several names, so yes, I think that’s one of them!
Gaby says
I want to make this for christmas! can i make them 1 day before?? or they get soft?
Blueviolet says
No, they’ll be totally fine a day before! They don’t soften up. Just don’t store them with other types of cookies, and they’ll stay perfect!
Lyndsey says
Just curious if you could add chocolate chips or coconut even. Not a big nut fan or could you add fruit?
Blueviolet says
I make them myself without the nuts, and they’re absolutely delicious. I’m not a big nut fan either. If you added anything, you’d want it to be very finely chopped. But try them without anything first, and you may find that you like them well enough that way anyhow! 😉 Then you could experiment.
Melissa says
YUM YUM YUM!! I am making my list of cookies to make this week and I’m going to have to try these!
Stefanie says
These are my favorite, too!
Jen-Eighty MPH Mom says
Mmmm my mom used to make these (she called them Russian Teacakes), and they are SO good!
texas food and travel says
these look amazing. thanks for sharing
A Mother's Thoughts says
I love snowball cookies! I make them every year! There is just something warm and inviting when you are eating them with hot chocolate!! Mmm so good!
Michelle says
My family makes these every year. . .though they’ve always been known as “Russian Tea Cakes”. They are amazing with a cup of tea or coffee!
Alison says
Oh my gosh they are so cute!!!! I so want to make them. I bet the boys would love them. 🙂
Barbie says
I can’t wait to add these to my gift baskets this year!! I know the neighbors are going to love them!
Krystyn says
Wait…I had no idea these are this easy! We might have to try them this year.
Tara Woods says
These are some of my favorite cookies. I have always called them pecan meltaways or Mexican wedding cookies. They are much cheaper to make than ordering from a store.
secret agent woman says
My stepmother used to make these but she called them something else – I’m blanking on the name. They were good, though,
Jones Lang says
Wow, real subtle product placement
Virginia from That Bald Chick says
These are one of my favorite cookies, but every time I have tried to make them they turn out YUCKY! I will have to try your recipe!
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired says
My grandma always made these. I loved them as a kid for how messy they could be, I love them as an adult because they are just so good!
Kendra says
My dad has been making these for years… they r great for christmas.
Karen Klein says
Holy crap! Thanks so much for posting this recipe! I looove these cookies and I could never find a recipe for them-you saved the day!
Jennifer says
those look super yum! I’ve never made them before so I guess it’s time to do so if they are a must like you say.
James says
Love these! These are very popular in Brunei! If i am not mistaken, it is also called ‘Kueh Mor’. Especially during Eid, they usually serve these as one of their treats for the guests. I don’t know about the taste but it has quite similar ingredients. I am definitely gonna give this a try soon!
Not Supermom says
I.need.these.
Now.
Marianna says
Those look so good!
Courtney says
I’ve never tried a snowball cookie!
Anne says
I love snowballs, and they are so simple to make!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
Those look awesome!
JamericanSpice says
I’ve not heard of these before. I’d so love to try some! Might just make my own!
Julie says
I used pecans and added a full cup
Audrey says
I love any and all cookies coated in powdered sugar. We get mexican wedding cookies here and they are truly one of my favorites.
busy bee suz says
OMG…they are SO darn cute…they have to be delicious. would they melt in Florida??? 😉
Optimistic Mom says
Yummy! Oh I am sure I could eat a ton of these. And I am a McCormick fan. 😉
Debby Pucci says
I make these and love them!!!
Dina @ 4 Lettre Words says
My sister has always made these, tho we call them “wedding cookies”, and I still LOVE them!
Galit Breen says
Yum! {So, so very much yum!} xo
Grumpy Grateful Mom says
Mmmmm….cookies! I love almost every cookie, but these look especially good. 🙂
Jules says
What temperature should I be baking them at?
Blueviolet says
Bake them at 400 degrees. I hope you love them! 🙂
Missy | The Literal Mom says
These are one of my favorites too. With lots and lots of powdered sugar!
Natalie says
Yum these look awesome!
Rachel says
I LOVE these cookies! My grandmother used to make them, she used walnuts in hers. She called them Nutballs! I like the name you use for these too! Sooo good!
Zippy Sandler says
Will you be bringing these to NY with you, because if so…you’ll find me right outside of your hotel door begging like a dog.
Nichol says
The nuts are not optional, pecan pieces are a must with snowballs:) They look so good I want some now!!
Andrea says
OOOOH. Can I have some, please? They sound and look so delicious. And now I’m going to pin them … 😉
drollgirl says
’tis the season for stretch pants! wait! it is ALWAYS the season for stretch pants!
i have been telling myself that i should diet all this month and then pork out for the holiday. we’ll see how long this strategy holds, particularly with cookie offerings/recipes like this one tempting me left and right!
Lourie says
My husband makes these….his family calls them butterballs. I like your name better. Wonder if I can make a name change! 😛
Andrea says
I am making them right now after seeing them and I just told my husband that I really think they should be called butterballs. And I reduced *a little bit, I almost halved, but it wasn’t working for the dough* the amount of butter! Too funny.
ohkeeka [The Type A Housewife] says
I’ve never had these before, but they sound fabulous! I’m so excited to start baking Christmas cookies. 😀
Serendipity is Sweet says
I have never made these myself but love them! Thanks for sharing the recipe. Yum!
Tori says
I JUST made these! Except I had a different name for them. The recipe was almost exactly the same though. All I can say is YUM!
Shelly Peterson says
I love these cookies! If made right, not over cooked, they melt in your mouth. We have these every Christmas since I was a kid
Marcie W. says
These look outstanding & pretty easy too!
Tammy says
I love these cookies!
Kato says
I just tried these for the first time last week!! They were delicious!
Night Owl Mama says
oh those look Yummy
Penelope says
Yummy, I just wrote a guest post for these on a friends blog…yours are prettier though, lol…mine are never as snowy looking.
Tammy says
Those look yummy! 🙂 I have never made them…maybe this year they will go on our cookie list.
Lisa @ Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy says
can I leave my address to get some of those? 🙂
my mom used to make those and they are soooo yummy.
Nikki says
*poof* (I’m off to the store to get these ingredients)
Amy says
These look lovely! It also looks like something that would get me in trouble! 🙂
Ally says
You know, for as long as my grandma made these cookies growing up, I guess I never made them with her – I didn’t realize there was no egg in the recipe – which of course, is why that have that yummy texture!!!
April says
Those look like something I could handle making! They also look really good!!
quirkyloon says
cue Twilight Zone movie.
I kid you not! I just made 8 dozen of these cookies yesterday! Yowza! hee hee. I’m participating in a cookie exchange and I know them as Mexican Wedding Cookies. And I shaped mine into crescents. But you are correct madam, they are DELISH and they go way too fast.
Yummo!
katherine says
They look delicious!
Blond Duck says
Those remind me of Mexican wedding cookies!
Mimi says
Looks like another recipe I need to try. The pumpkin cheesecake turned out yummy by the way.
Star Traci says
Double yum! I would have to make at least three batches because I suspect that one batch wouldn’t make it to the plate with me!
🙂
Traci
Otin says
I. Want. Some!
Mellisa says
Those look so yummy and easy!
Jackie says
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these cookies!! I even like the ones you can get in the store…. of course they’re not as good as the homemade ones but I’ll take it!
BusyWorkingMama says
These look fabulous! Yum!
secret mom thoughts says
Those look yummy!
Kristi (Moms Own Words) says
I love that kind of cookie and yours look delish!
littlemsblogger says
I’m not going to lie, I love all holiday cookies except the ones that have the licorice taste to them.
Melanie @ Whimsical Creations says
I absolutely LOVE those cookies!! LOL, please mail me some? ;P
Kathy says
Omg…I wish I had some for breakfast right now! look amazing!
Debra B says
Oh Wow these are one of my favorites as well, I remember my mom used to make these every Christmas along with Kieflies (sp) which I believe are a crescent shaped (yeast) dough with a walnut filling then rolled in powdered sugar too, all Christmas cookies would disappear so quickly it was hard to keep a few for the holidays, After I got married and started my own family I would make them for Christmas, but I havent made either of them in awhile now that you’ve provided the recipe for Snowball cookies I plan to make them very, very soon besides they are so easy.
Thanks for the recipe and inspiration
Happy Holidays 🙂
JDaniel4's Mom says
What lovely cookies! Bet they are great with a cup of tea!
Mother Mayhem says
MMM… Slurp. Licking my computer screen…
varunner7 says
I’ve never made these before, but I’ve eaten them, and they are quite good!
Jennifer says
Dirty. Just plain dirty.
On another note, when can I expect to receive some of these in the mail?…
Ms. A says
My Aunt used to make these, along with fudge and divinity and put them in tins for Christmas gifts! I looked forward to getting them!
I just might be able to make these. Thanks for the recipe!
Cat Davis - Food Family Finds says
I’ve never had those before but they sound so easy to make.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
To be honest, I have never tried these before. But they do look extremely tasty to the point of me wanting to try out the recipe to see what they taste like. Thanks for sharing!
{Not Quite} Susie Homemaker says
OHMYGOD those look amazing. I’m making those this weekend, seriously!
Susie B. Homemaker says
I always love these around the holidays. My mom used to make them when I was younger.
The Bipolar Diva says
I know what I’m going to be making with the grandkids this weekend!
Stephanie says
these are my favorite cookies! they just are Christmas to me 🙂
Diane W says
These are my favorite too!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says
Oh yum! I don’t think I’ve ever had those before.
[email protected] eco friendly homemaking says
I have been making these for years and our whole family loves them!! They are some of my all time favorite cookies. I always make them around the holidays but sometimes I make them just because they are so delicious but I have to watch out or I will eat to many of them!!
Lucy says
Oh, those cookies look delicious and I have to admit almost all my spices are McCormick, I use a lot of their products!
Kelly says
These are so good! I haven’t had them in years but am definitely going to try this recipe out as I’ve never cooked it myself.
brian says
i have not had a snoball cookie in forever….
HilLesha says
Yummy!
Kristina P. says
These are super delicious.
Connie Weiss says
Those look fantastic!
Michele says
You can never go wrong with flour, powder sugar and butter!
Anna ~ Random Handprints says
oh holiday cookies, how i love them. these look so good.
i make gingerbread bussiness-men (and women) every year and dress them in little suits for my husband to take to work. i hear they are something of the office traditon by now, but the first year he was mortified – but we were just married so he had to bring them.
Tauna says
Those look like melt in your mouth deliciousness.
sandie says
They look delish. sandie
Melissa says
Oh, yum. I am forwarding this recipe to my mom. The only thing better than cookies are cookies baked by my mom 🙂
Cassie says
These are the BEST!! I love them too.